This week, Warner Bros. announced all kinds of upcoming release dates [1], and among the crop was a pretty interesting reveal: The Batman [2] is coming in 2021, and Ben Affleck is no longer attached [3]. It almost makes sense in a way, since this newest iteration of the hero is veering in a new direction. The director, Matt Reeves, has said the new film will feel a bit more like a noir in genre, and it will also star a younger Bruce Wayne! That means we've got to dial down the age range (no offence, Affleck) when searching for our next Dark Knight. With no official announcement for the role, we've taken it upon ourselves to offer a few casting ideas. And since the franchise is going in a new direction, it's no holds barred: we've got some ideas that will really shake things up.
Charles Melton
This handsome hunk has been lighting it up on Riverdale [5], and we think his sharp angles and debonair airs are definitely slick enough for the Batsuit.
Liam Hemsworth
We like to imagine Liam Hemsworth is seething with jealousy over his brother Chris Hemsworth's superhero fame as Thor. This would be the perfect opportunity to strike back, and the fact that it's DC makes it that much juicier.
John Boyega
Having already charmed audiences with his role as Finn in the newest Star Wars [6] trilogy, it's clear that Boyega is fit to make a franchise shine. Maybe he could breathe new life into DC's withering universe?
Diego Boneta
Look, he's already got a beautiful butt chin. What else would you even want?!
Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan, my man, my man! I mean, what can I say? He was RIPPED in Black Panther [7], Creed, and Creed II, so you KNOW he got that Batman body. The fact that he's already starred in a superhero film means he's prime for the picking! That's it, that's the end of this post. Just kidding. But seriously, cast this man.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
This one may be under the radar, but he's got a very muscular body and dashin good looks. I mean, check it out, he's already pulling off that tux. Give him a Batmobile and call it a day.
Theo James
James has the advantage of having already won our hearts in a pretty big franchise: the Divergent series. Sure, it didn't pan out in the end, but I still think this man has potential.
Donald Glover
All I'm saying is, if we couldn't make true Glover's dreams of being Spider-Man, the least we can do is make him Batman. You know?
Henry Golding
All it took was, like, 15 seconds of Crazy Rich Asians to come to some conclusions about Henry Golding. He's handsome as hell, he knows how to pull of a good suit, and he can play rich. Doesn't that sound like Bruce Wayne to you?
Ryan Guzman
All you need to know is that this beautiful man can really pull off some stubble. You've got the part, Guzman!
Brenton Thwaites
Yes, he's a bit more under the radar, but he did play Prince Phillip in Maleficent. So, like, that has to count for something, right?
Taron Egerton
If he's good enough for the Kingsmen, he's good enough for The Batman [8].
Taylor Lautner
Taylor Lautner [9] made everyone fall in love with Jacob in the Twilight [10] Saga, so I fully believe he'll make us fall in love with Batman too! And that's that on that!
Winston Duke
Tell me you didn't watch Black Panther [11] and think, "Winston Duke is a whole snack." That's why he'd be a great Batsnack.